“It started in St. Paul with the Shipstads and Johnson, and they really built a brand new industry that affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, including my uncle Roy Blakey,” Pickett said

Over his lifetime, Blakey amassed the largest collection of theatrical ice skating memorabilia anywhere in the world.

“People need to follow their bliss and their passion. And that’s what this handful of people did,” she said. “They followed their bliss, and they created something that enriched and added beauty and excitement and entertainment to the lives of skaters and audiences alike for decades.”

Pickett has written books before that feature her own photographs, but she’s never made a film until now.

“I’m feeling a little emotional. I just hope that when I face that premiere audience Sunday that I can keep my wits about me and not cry,” she said.

“The Fabulous Ice Age” will debuts Sunday night at the Minnesota St. Paul International Film Festival at 7 p.m. at St Anthony Main Theater. Click here for more information.